Nurses are ideal Essential Oil Practitioners

by Emma Vincent MSc Adult Nursing, MCHP

Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a nurse, and after twenty-seven years of practice, I still cannot imagine doing anything else. As a group of professionals nurses often look to enhance their practice in a different way. Nurses are all individuals, working in their own specialist fields, and so the array of additional qualifications that are pursued are arguably vast.

For me, my curiosity of nursing history, healing, and a love of essential oils led me to the ‘Essential Oil Practitioner’ (EOP) diploma, offered at Natural Therapeutics and accredited by Complementary Health Professionals. Not dissimilar to nursing, EOP’s are trained in holistic consultation skills, health promotion, and empowering the supportive self-management of clients. I have learnt how to use essential oils in many ways, including, bespoke creams, lotions and gels, lip balms, inhalators, roller balls, vaporisation, compresses, bandaging, diffusion, and bath oils. Importantly, I have also learnt how to use this array safely within different groups of clients – children, the older person, those requiring palliative care, and within maternity care. As an EOP my assessment and practice are very similar to an Aromatherapist, except for delivering an aromatherapy massage. However, as a nurse, I provide care that involves therapeutic touch; including washing, applying dressings, and other aspects of personal care, which essential oils could be part of, alongside the correct safety measures and approvals.

Like nurses, EOP’s assess the client holistically. We consider the client’s values, beliefs, and social circumstances. We evaluate everything that may be contributing towards their health challenge. We consider and educate the client, and those who are meaningful to them. We also include those who may impact or deliver their care. The difference being that EOP’s add an additional, or a complementary method of care, by integrating the use of essential oils.

I am a qualified Adult Nurse (MSc), specialising in respiratory and palliation. In particular, I nurse with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. During the pandemic, like all respiratory nurses, I also started to support those with COVID-19. This was, and still remains a challenging nursing field. I looked for a way to extend my holistic nursing practice, and protect my own well-being, and I decided to train to be an Essential Oil Practitioner. I began my training with Natural Therapeutics, amidst a chaotic time in the NHS.

The modules, case studies, coursework, and written reflections all took time. However, Natural Therapeutics supported my learning, and the diploma was a welcomed distraction from difficult nursing days. In addition, I kept a reflective learning journey on Instagram (@emmavincent_chp), and through this I learnt from so many incredible EOP’s and Aromatherapists, who willingly helped me through my chemistry, blending disasters, and safety notes.

The more I trained, the more I appreciated how diverse essential oils were. The oils chemical properties could be used in a variety of ways, from aiding the healing of a fungal infection, to promoting relaxation. I found the oils could and can be administered in many ways, increasing the choice of treatments for different people. Inhalation being the fastest, and easiest way to receive essential oils benefits. Through case studies, and nursing experience, I was able to diversify treatment options and ideas further.

Subjectively, I find essential oils beautiful, I find their aroma, and therapeutic properties often speak for themselves. As a nurse, I believe in the diversity of practice, offering people choice, and aiding comfort in every way possible. Essential oils are evidenced based, safe (with care), and an extension of our history’s healing.

I passed my diploma exam in October 2022. Since then, some of my case studies have stayed with me, on my slowly growing caseload. This is currently alongside my nursing practice, although, I have just started to collect and examine the evidence for using EOP, with my patients in hospital. This is my ultimate aim. Many of patients would not otherwise have the means of accessing essential oils. Equality and diversity are very close to my nursing heart.

The reflective friendships I made through my training have remained steadfast, and they continue to advise and integrate me into their wonderful community. I would strongly recommend this Essential Oil Practitioner diploma to any nurse; essential oils apply to every nursing specialism. Aromatherapy in midwifery appears seemingly common practice, but as nurses, there are fewer of us in the U.K. who are dual trained. It is an exciting time ahead for nursing, and complementary therapy.

Emma Vincent MSc Adult Nurse MCHP,

COPD Nurse Specialist & Professional Essential Oil Practitioner.

To find our more about the essential oil practitioner course at Natural Therapeutics, visit https://www.naturaltherapeutics.co.uk/essential-oil-practitioner

(Level 5 Aromatherapy Diploma also available)